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One of the yard duties that must be completed regardless of the weather is mowing your lawn. Does it matter if you cut it? As it happens, there is a perfect time of year to mow your lawn.
The ideal time of day to mow your lawn is between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., say lawn care experts. At this time of day the grass is often dry from the morning dew, which reduces the chance of clumping and promotes a cleaner cut. Mid-morning mowing also reduces stress on the lawn by giving the grass time to heal and improve before the heat of the day arrives. Midday and afternoon heat can damage your grass and hay, so avoid mowing early in the morning when the grass is damp.By choosing a mid-morning window, you can ensure that your grass stays healthy and your lawnmower equipment is in good working order, resulting in a more attractive and tidy yard.
Meet The Expert
- Clint Waltz, PhD, is a turfgrass extension specialist at the University of Georgia.
The Best Time of Day To Mow Your Lawn
According to Clint Waltz, PhD, turfgrass extension specialist at the University of Georgia, “It’s best to mow when the canopy or grass leaves are dry.” “That is, in the very humid Southeast, after the dew dries, which is usually mid-morning.” Harvesting in the late afternoon, perhaps around 5:30 or 6 p.m., is also acceptable.
Obviously, things happen in life and our schedules aren’t always flexible. However, if you don’t mow at the best time of day, will you suffer? “It doesn’t really matter from a disease reduction perspective,” Waltz adds. “Sowing at certain times of day is not a disease management control strategy.”
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The Worst Time of Day To Mow Your Lawn
Do not mow immediately after watering or rain. Wet grass is messy to mow because it sticks to your mower and creates unsightly clumps on your lawn that can harbor viruses. Additionally, Waltz noted that any style of mower—riding, walking, or push—can create ruts in wet soil and is more likely to compact soil in wet conditions. In summary, occasional wet mowing won’t kill your grass, but you should avoid doing it too often.
Tips for Proper Lawn Mowing
Plus, observe two additional wise drying techniques while you’re at it. To start, sharpen your blade twice a season to prevent grass blade breakage and create clean cuts. In addition to improving appearance, research indicates that mowed grass is more resilient to disease and other environmental stresses.
Additionally, confirm that you are cutting at the correct height. “You’ll optimize canopy density, root depth and volume by mowing at the right height,” says Waltz. “Turf can draw water from deeper areas when its root system is larger, making it more tolerant of drought and other stresses.” Additionally, weed seeds are difficult to germinate in thick lawns.
The ideal height varies based on your local climate and the type of grass you have.Waltz says. For example, St. Augustine grass should be cut to a height of 2 ½ to 3 inches in some areas of the Southeast and 3 ¼ to 4 inches in hot weather. Mow your mixed lawn grass at the recommended height for the dominant species. Consult your local University Cope Extension Office (find yours here) if you are unsure about the type of grass you have or the appropriate height to cut it.
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